I've seen so many threads asking what drummers we are inspired/influenced by. Surely, we all have a list of other artists that have had a hand in our development as musicians, not just because of what they do, but also how they do it. Here are some of mine

Many musicians have inspire me and still do, but there's one whose both life and music is such a prime example of ultimate musicianship, new boundaries and dedication, that many other musicians simply pale in comparison. Guessed who it is yet?

John Coltrane.

__________________"You can play a shoestring if your sincere." - John Coltrane

I'll try to keep the list short, it would be easy to list every member of every band I like.

Mike Patton of Faith No More/Tomahawk
James Hetfield of Metallica
Dimebag Darrell of Pantera (RIP)
Martin Walkyer of Skyclad (Incredible lyrics, particularly on The Wayward Sons Of Mother Earth album)
Steve Ramsey of Skyclad
And all three Beastie Boys

They are probably the top of the pile, and I want to mention Jason Newstead (Metallica/Echobrain), Neil Fallon (Clutch), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath).

My biggest non-drummer influence is and has long been Tom Hanks. He's influenced me not only as a drummer, but also as a human being in general. He's the epitome of talent, class, and charisma.

"That Thing You Do", which Hanks directed, is my favorite music movie of all time. It really helped me through a tough time when I didn't have anywhere to play drums. I was kinda depressed about it all, but watching that movie really lifted my spirits....and it still does every time I watch it.

Bill Hicks is another non-drummer influence. His contempt for artistic mediocrity and banality has really rubbed off on me over the last few years. The world could really use him now.

Probably my biggest non-drumming influence would be Ayn Rand. Among a lot of things she stresses in her philosophy is being confident in yourself and knowing the talent that you have. Her views are in fact very applicable to the drumming world, and have helped me a lot.

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"If you think you're more important than the drums, you've got another thing coming." -Tony Williams

Mitch Hedberg, his quirky ability to find humor in the absolute most mundane things in life has made me view things from a different perspective.

Another funny man who has inspired me is Kurt Vonneugut Jr, I sometimes try to (but almost always fail) to replicate his sly and cynical humor.Always inspiring me to "think outside the box" when I'm writing.

Jonny Greenwood inspires me to try to have excellence in all matters. (like he has.)

Jerry Seinfeld. Even when I was feeling a little down about life, he always seems to get me back on the right track. Seinfeld just never gets old, i could watch it for the rest of my life and i'll laugh just as hard as i did the first time i watched it.

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"Defeat is crowned by Success, Only if you Persist."

Man, so many of you guys have lists that I so totally vibe with, y'all seem like soul mates...Zack, Ian, Derek, I love your lists.. and Cory, thanks for the 'mind opener' on Mike Patton many months ago..